System, method, and computer program for determining dynamic subnetworks in a communication network

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining dynamic subnetworks in a communication network. In use, a plurality of network entities of a communication network is determined. Additionally, measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities are collected. Further, at least one division characteristic is determined, and an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic is determined. Moreover, at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network is determined, where the at least one border is based on the intersection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/639,910, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING PRUNING RULES IN AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) BASED NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 7, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/639,913, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DAMPING A FEEDBACK LOAD-CHANGE IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK MANAGED BY AN AUTOMATIC NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 7, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/639,923, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING A MARKETPLACE FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED MANAGED NETWORK SERVICES,” filed on Mar. 7, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/642,524, entitled “A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR MITIGATING AN ATTACK ON A NETWORK BY EFFECTING FALSE ALARMS,” filed on Mar. 13, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/648,281, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING TRAINING DATA FOR ANALYZING A NEW CONFIGURATION OF A COMMUNICATION NETWORK,” filed on Mar. 26, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/648,287, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING A MARKETPLACE FOR EDGE COMPUTING,” filed on Mar. 26, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/660,142, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MITIGATING FALSIFIED LOG DATA PROVIDED TO AN AI-LEARNING SYSTEM MANAGING A COMMUNICATION NETWORK,” filed on Apr. 19, 2018, the entire contents of each of the listed applications which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications and/or data communications, and more particularly to dynamically determining at least one subnetwork in a communication network.

BACKGROUND

A modern public digital communication network provides many communication-related services to a very large number of customers where each customer may use a variety of services. Additionally, each service may be used by each customer in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the business needs of many customers may rapidly change, thereby affecting the manner in which the communication services may be used. As such, business dynamics (and especially increasing business dynamics) may affect the network dynamics, as well as the configuration of the network and the network's services.

A communication network may have a very large number of network situations which may need to be detected and resolved, possibly in parallel. Each of the network situations may be resolved by a large number of possible network configuration changes. However, each of these network configuration change may influence other network situations, and the network configuration changes may be linked. Further, simultaneously determining a group of network configuration changes for a plurality of pending network situations continuously streamed may produce a heavy processing load, and may be practically impossible when implemented over a large network.

As such, there is thus a need for addressing these and/or other issues associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining dynamic subnetworks in a communication network. In use, a plurality of network entities of a communication network is determined. Additionally, measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities are collected. Further, at least one division characteristic is determined, and an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic is determined. Moreover, at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network is determined, where the at least one border is based on the intersection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for determining dynamic subnetworks in a communication network, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a communication network and network management system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates a network management system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2C illustrates a network management system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an event-log timeline, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a method for processing log data, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a method of a run time process using an AI-model, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a network management system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a network management system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of software programs, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method for creating one or more subnetworks in a particular configuration of a communication network, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11A illustrates a method for scanning subnetwork segments in order to adapt one or more subnetworks according to one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11B illustrates a method for comparing subnetwork segments in order to adapt one or more subnetworks according to one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12A illustrates a method for determining a subnetwork border in order to create one or more subnetworks for one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates a method for determining subnetwork stability in order to create one or more subnetworks for one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a network architecture, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One purpose of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is to implement as many functions of the network as software running over a generic computer. As such, a virtual(ized) network function (VNF) can be instantiated almost anywhere on the network, based on a network/cluster of generic computers. This ability to instantiate VNFs allows network functions to be migrated throughout the network, which in turn, may lead to network reconfiguration. Additionally, fast migration and network reconfiguration may provide cost savings in both capital spending (CAPEX) and operational spending (OPEX).

In the context of the present description, the term “cost” may refer to any type of expenditure (such as associated with increased capital expenditure (CAPEX), and/or increased operational expenditure (OPEX)), as well as decreased revenues or a limitation on revenue increase. In one embodiment, OPEX may include, for example, a cost of electricity to power any network entity and/or dissipate heat resulting from the operation of any network entity. Additionally, OPEX may also include payment to any third party for using any type of hardware and/or software, including processing power, storage, transmission, etc.

Further, in the context of the present description, the term service configuration” may refer to a network configuration applicable for a particular service. Such particular service may be requested by, and/or proposed to, a particular customer (herein referred to as “requesting party”), for a specific time period, locality, and/or business structure. As such, a service configuration may apply to an entire basis or subset of a communication network(s).

For example, instead of planning a network to a combined worst case (such as a highest expected cumulative demand), CAPEX can be reduced by more accurately planning the network according to an optimized, time-dependent configuration. Thereafter, OPEX can be reduced in periods of low demand by migrating the operating VNFs to one or more central locations and shutting down unused data centers. This cost saving may be one the driving forces behind NFV. Therefore, fast and effective reconfiguration of the network may be a key element in the evolution of NFV and the telecom market.

In addition, the ability to reconfigure the network quickly (and cost effectively) may enable network operators to introduce new services faster, reduce time-to-market, and reduce onboarding costs. Fast and automatic reconfiguration also enable customers to place a demand for a service (e.g., a service level agreement or SLA) shortly before actual use, and request the service for a limited time. Together, fast and automatic reconfiguration may reduce the time and cost of doing business between network operators, operators of software service(s), and/or customers (such as consumers).

The network may be expected to adapt to a constant flow of service demands by continuously optimizing and reconfiguring the network. An optimized network (configuration) may include a network that runs close to its current maximum capacity while providing all required services (based on service level agreements (SLAs) or a similar form of service requirements definition). As the actual (real-time) demand changes, the network configuration may be changed, both by adding or removing infrastructure (e.g., turning hardware on or off), and by migrating and instantiating, or removing VNFs.

The network management system should be able to predict situations requiring network reconfiguration early enough to enable the network to compute the optimized new configuration and effect (orchestrate) it before the actual need arises. Due to the network complexity and the speed of change of demands, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) may be required to meet such a technical demand.

As such, the network management system may generally relate to telecommunications and/or data communications, and, more particularly to the management of a telecommunication network and/or a data network, and, more particularly to network management using artificial intelligence (AI).

The present embodiments may comprise a method and/or a system for automatically determining a subnetwork in a larger communication network, where such subnetwork is adequate for resolving at least one network situation. Additionally, the present embodiments may comprise a method and/or a system for limiting a scope of a communication network in which alternative solutions and/or network reconfigurations for at least one network situation may be determined. Further, the present embodiments may comprise a method and/or a system for automatically determining borders of a subnetwork in which at least one network situation may be resolved.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for determining dynamic subnetworks in a communication network, in accordance with one embodiment. In the context of the present description, a dynamic subnetwork includes a part of a network that changes. In one embodiment, a network situation may be determined, a first subnetwork associated with the network situation may be determined, a resource required to resolve the network situation may be determined, where the resource is available within a second subnetwork, and a super subnetwork comprising the first subnetwork and the second subnetwork may be determined.

As shown, a plurality of network entities of a communication network is determined. See operation 102. In one embodiment, a network situation may be determined, a plurality of network entities involved in the network situation may be determined, and a subnetwork including the plurality of network entities may be determined. In another embodiment, a network situation may be determined, a plurality of network entities involved in the network situation may be determined, a plurality of subnetworks including the plurality of network entities may be determined, and a super subnetwork including the plurality of subnetworks may be determined.

Additionally, measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities is collected. See operation 104. In the context of the present description, an interaction between pairs of network entities includes any involvement, interaction, and/or exchange between network entities. In one embodiment, at least two network situations may be determined. Additionally, each of the at least two network situations may be associated with a plurality of network entities. Further, each of the at least two network situations may be associated with at least one common network entity. In another embodiment, the plurality network entities may be associated with at least two subnetworks. In yet another embodiment, a super subnetwork may be determined, the super subnetwork comprising the at least two subnetworks and the plurality of network entities.

Further, at least one division characteristic is determined. See operation 106. In the context of the present description, a division characteristic includes any characteristic relating to a separation of a network. In one embodiment, the at least one division characteristic may be based on at least one of: a span value, where the span value is a span of change of an interaction with the at least division characteristic over time; a rate value, where the rate value is a rate of change of the interaction over time; or a combination of the span value and the rate value. In another embodiment, a time period for the measurements may be determined. Additionally, at least one of the span value or the rate value may be at least one of an average value or a maximum value over the time period. In still another embodiment, a network configuration of the communication network may be determined, a life expectancy of the network configuration may be determined, a time period for the measurements may be determined according to the life expectancy of the network configuration. Further, at least one of the span value or the rate value may be at least one of an average value or a maximum value over the time period.

In addition, an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic is determined. See operation 108. In the context of the present description, an intersection is a point of convergence. Furthermore, at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network is determined, where the at least one border is based on the intersection. See operation 110.

In one embodiment, the at least one border may be a connection between two or more network entities of the plurality of network entities, where the connection has a low rate of change of network parameters associated with each of the two or more network entities. In another embodiment, a plurality of borders may be determined and the communication network may be divided into a plurality of subnetworks based on the plurality of borders.

FIG. 2A illustrates a communication network and network management system 200, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the network management system 200 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the network management system 200 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, the communication network and network management system 200 may relate to managing a communication network using artificial intelligence (AI).

As shown, the network management system 200 includes a communication network 202, one or more secondary networks 204, a network management system 212 including a run-time module 214 and a deep system module 216. In one embodiment, the one or more secondary networks 204 may be communicatively coupled to the communication network 202.

Communication network 202, and/or any of the one or more secondary networks 204 may be associated with one or more service operators 206 (such as operators of third-party services such as software as a service (SaaS)), customers (such as communication customers 208 and/or consumers using the services of communication network 202 or any of the software services of service operators 206). In one embodiment, a customer of the communication network 202 may be a service operator (such as service operators 206) or a service consumer (such as the communication customers 208). Both the service operator or the service consumer may use services of the communication network 202, as well as services provided by a service provider. Further, the communication network 202 may be connected directly to the network management system 212, and/or may be connected to one or more network entities 218.

In one embodiment, the service operators 206 and/or the communication customers 208 may have an arrangement and/or agreement with an operator of communication network 202, such as one or more service level agreements (SLAs) 210, which may define various parameters of the service(s) provided by communication network 202.

In the context of the present description, the term “communication network”, and/or simply “network”, may refer to any type of network, including analog and/or digital communication networks, wired and/or wireless communication networks, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), personal area network (PAN), etc., as well as combinations thereof. For example, network may refer to a public service telephony network (PSTN), a public service data network (PSDN), a public land mobile network (PLMN), cellular network, and/or cable network, as well as any other network type and any combination thereof. Further, the term network may include communication hardware, communication software and/or both.

A network may also refer to a subnetwork, any type of a part of a network, or a combination of networks, and/or subnetworks, any of which may be overlying and/or overlapping one or more networks and/or subnetworks (such as a virtual network, and/or a network slice, etc.).

In one embodiment, a network may be operated by a network operator, a virtual network operator (VNO), a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), a business enterprise operating one or more communication services, a business enterprise subscribing to one or more communication networks, one or more virtual communication networks, and/or one or more communication services, etc.

In the context of the present description, the term “network entity” may refer to any type of communication hardware, communication software, and/or communication service including instances of any particular software and/or service. For example, network entity may refer to software executed by a network entity (such as a network node or server), an operating-system (OS), a hypervisor software, a virtual machine, a container, a virtual network function (VNF), a micro-service, etc.

Further, in the context of the present description, the term “network configuration” may refer to any type of arrangement, configuration, topology, etc., of a network, interconnected computing devices (such as cloud computing), network nodes, servers, network entities, etc. In one embodiment, the network configuration may relate to a part (or slice) of a network, or a subnetwork. Additionally, network configuration may also refer to any type of arrangement, deployment, installation, instantiation, etc. of any type of software processed and/or executed by any computational entity in the network.

In one embodiment, network configuration may refer to a configuration of any part of a network, or a combination of network, including network slicing, self-organizing networks (SON), edge computing, etc. Network configuration may also include configuration of any type of “communication service”, which may include one or more network hardware elements as well as one or more software packages installed and operative in one or more hardware elements of the network.

In the context of the present description, “network service” may refer to any combination of network or communication services, facilities, or resources, as well as associated parameters such as bandwidth, latency, jitter, etc. For example, a network service may include any type of computing services, facilities, resources, as well as their parameters such as processing power, memory, storage, etc. Further, in one embodiment, network service may include a communication service, such as required network service, proposed network service, and/or communication service requirements (such as requirements specified in the SLAs 210).

FIG. 2B illustrates a network management system 201, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the network management system 201 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the network management system 201 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, communication network 202 may include one or more network entities 218 that provide communication services of the communication network 202. For example, the network entities 218 may be arranged in a particular configuration optimized to deliver the communication services (of the communication network 202) according to the one or more SLAs 210. The network management system 212 may determine, implement and manage such optimized configuration of the network entities 218. Additionally, configuration of the network entities 218 may be associated with the deep system module 216, and in particular, the run-time module 214 through use of run time rules and/or AI-models 244, while the deep system module 216 may create, adapt and modify the run-time rules and/or AI-models 244, as well as deep system rules and/or AI models 242 by which the deep system module 216 operates.

In addition, the network management system 212 may include the run-time module 214, which may include an event log, 220, a monitoring system 222, log data 224, a real-time (RT) analysis system 226, one or more suspected situations 228, a confidence analysis system 230, one or more predicted situations 232, a network optimization system 234, network configuration 236, and an orchestration system 238. In one embodiment, the network entities 218, the monitoring system 222, the RT analysis system 226, the confidence analysis system 230, the network optimization system 234, and the orchestration system 238 may function as system components. Similarly, the event log 220, the log data 224, the one or more suspected situations 228, the one or more predicted situations 232, and the network configuration 236 may function as data elements.

The one or more network entities 218 may compute and communicate to the monitoring system 222 the event log 220, typically including values for parameters relating to the performance of the communication network 202 and/or the one or more network entities 218. The monitoring system 222 may then collect the event log 220 (including data records) to create the log data 224. RT-analysis system 226 may then analyze the log data 224 to detect the one or more suspected situations 228. Confidence analysis system 230 may then collect, compare and analyze the one or more suspected situations 228 to determine one or more predicted situations 232. Based on the current predicted situation of the one or more predicted situations 232 the network optimization system 234 may create an optimal network configuration 236. Next, the orchestration system 238 implements the optimal network configuration 236 by reconfiguring the one or more network entities 218.

In one embodiment, deep system module 216 may supervise the operation of the run-time module 214. For example, the run-time module 214 may operate on the basis of run-time rules and/or AI-models 244, which in turn are created and/or managed by the deep system analysis system 240 which operates on the basis of deep-system rules and AI models 242. The deep system analysis system 240 may be a collection of systems, arranged for example in stratified levels with their respective deep-system rules and AI models 242, as explained hereinbelow.

Further, the run-time rules and AI models 244 as well as the deep-system rules and AI models 242, may be created manually, or automatically using respective AI-learning systems operating in the deep system module 216. For example, the deep system module 216 may include any AI learning and/or RT-analysis system (including, for example, AI learning system 510 hereinbelow described). Further, the run time rules and AI models 244 as well as the deep system rules and AI models 242, may be updated, modified and/or adapted manually, or automatically using respective AI-analysis (serving) systems operating in the deep system module 216.

In one embodiment, an entity operating a network may use the network management system 212 and/or the orchestration system to manage one or more network configurations. Additionally, in the context of the present description, the term “configuration change” and/or “reconfiguration” may refer to any type of change in network configuration. In one embodiment, the type of change may include a load-change, network fault, preventive maintenance, cyber-attack, etc. Additionally, a network optimizing system (such as network optimizing system 234) and/or orchestration system (such as orchestration system 238) may analyze load conditions, requirements, and/or changes to determine if a configuration change is necessary, and if so, determine optimal configuration settings, including generating and/or applying a configuration change.

In one embodiment, a configuration change may be analyzed, determined and affected by an AI-based network optimizing system 234 and/or orchestration system 238 using one or more artificial intelligence (AI) engines. Such an AI-engine may use AI rules (e.g., AI-Model(s)), which may be created by an AI-engine using deep learning and/or machine learning technology to analyze training data based on, or sourced from, log-data. For example, the AI-based network optimizing system 234 and/or orchestration system 238 may use AI rules (AI-Models) to analyze load-changes, determine a configuration change, and/or effect an appropriate configuration change.

In the context of the present description, the term “load” may refer to any type of network characteristic, parameter, and/or service. For example, load may include bandwidth, latency, jitter, processing power, memory, storage, etc. Additionally, load may include any requirement (such as used by such network characteristic, parameter, and/or service). Additionally, the term “load-change” may refer to any change in load. For example, load-change may include a change of a load requirement, use, and/or consumption, associated with a network characteristic, parameter, and/or service. In one embodiment, load-change may cause a configuration change. As such, load-change may include other causes for a configuration change, such as a network fault, anticipated network fault (such as requiring preventive maintenance), cyber-attack and/or security breach, etc. Further, load-change may include a change in load (such as a load decrease) that may be used in turn to shut down equipment and reduce operating costs or may include an anticipated load-change which may be used to anticipate the development of a particular load-change.

Additionally, in the context of the present description, the term “log-data” may refer to any record (including a file, repository, and/or database) which may represent an event detected in the network. Such an event may be detected by one or more network nodes or servers, by software executed by such network nodes or servers, by a network management system or software (including, but not limited to, a network orchestration system or software), and/or by a network-monitoring system. Additionally, the log-data may include identification of an event (such as a network event), associated data characterizing the particular event, and/or identification of the current network configuration or topology. As such, log-data may include event-log data as well. In one embodiment, log-data may include a link to a file, repository, and/or database, or may be included within an application programming interface (API) for such file, repository, and/or database. If log-data is communicated, it may be communicated in a computer readable format such as XML.

Further, log-data may be used to train and/or test an AI-engine (including an AI-based network design and/or management system).

In the context of the present description, the term “characterization” may refer to defining any type(s) of network or communication services, facilities, resources, etc. For example, characterization may include defining a network service that is required, including associated computing services, facilities, resources, etc. In one embodiment, characterization may include the term “characteristic”.

Moreover, in the context of the present description, the term “current network configuration” and/or “current network topology” may refer to a network configuration and/or topology in use at the time of logging an event and/or at the time of executing a rule. Additionally, the term “configuration representation” may refer to a mechanism that can represent a network configuration. For example, configuration representation may include software (e.g., VNF) deployment, service definitions, respective allocation of network and processing resources (e.g., bandwidth, latency, jitter, etc., processing power, memory, storage, etc.). A configuration representation may enable re-creation of a particular network configuration and/or topology, may enable simulation or emulation of the operation of a particular network configuration and/or topology, and/or may enable identification of a re-occurrence of a particular network configuration and/or topology.

Further, in the context of the present description, the term “network situation” may refer to a condition of the communication network (such as communication network 202) that may require a configuration change, or network reconfiguration. The network situation may be an unwanted situation (such as a failure), or a wanted situation (such as an opportunity to reduce cost, for example, by turning off a network entity). The network situation may be determined for the communication network (or any part of the communication network), for a service (or any part of the service), and/or for a network entity (such as one or more network entities 218), etc.

For example, the network situation may be determined for a particular SLA (such as one of the one or more SLAs 210). A network situation associated with an SLA may represent a situation where the network (or an associated service) does not perform according to the SLA. As such, the characteristics of the network situation may be any collection of parameters representing a fault or an opportunity (e.g., to reduce cost), etc. Such cause for the network situation may be associated with a load, or a load change.

Additionally, the network situation may be associated with a network fault (such as a hardware fault and/or a software fault), anticipated network fault (such as requiring preventive maintenance), cyber-attack, and/or security breach, etc.

In one embodiment, the network management system (such as network management system 212) may be used to detect a developing network situation before it adversely affects the network behavior, or to exploit an opportunity to save cost.

In this respect, in the context of the present description, the term “death expectancy” may refer to a period of time remaining for a particular predicted network situation until it adversely affects a particular service and/or SLA.

In one embodiment, the term or “minimal reconfiguration time”, may refer to the minimal period required to reconfigure the network to avoid a respective failure, or to exploit a respective opportunity. For example, to resolve a predicted situation before it adversely affects the particular service and/or SLA. Therefore, the minimal reconfiguration time should be smaller than the death expectancy.

In one embodiment, resolving a particular predicted situation may be delayed until the death expectancy approaches the respective minimal reconfiguration time. Additionally, death expectancy may also refer to a period of time remaining to exploit a particular predicted situation.

Further, the term “life expectancy” may refer to a period of time where the particular network configuration may remain useful before the utility diminishes (and it may then be in need of being replaced with a different network configuration).

FIG. 2C illustrates a network management system 203, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the network management system 203 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the network management system 203 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, the network management system 203 includes the network management system 212 which includes run-time module 214 and run-time rules and/or AI-models 244 of deep system module 216.

Run-time rules and/or AI-models 244 may be in communication with various components of the run time module 214, such as: monitoring rules 248 (in communication with monitoring system 222), real time (RT)-analysis rules 252 (in communication with RT analysis system 226) which may be used to analyze the log data 224 and/or to detect the one or more suspected situations 228, confidence analysis rules 256 (in communication with confidence analysis system 230) to analyze the one or more suspected situations 228 and determine the one or more predicted situations 232, configuration rules 260 (in communication with the network optimization system 234 and/or the reconfiguration decision points 264) to analyze the one or more predicted situations 232 and create network configurations 236, reconfiguration decision points 264 (in communication with configuration rules 260 and network optimizing system 234), and orchestration rules 266 (in communication with orchestration system 238) to implement the network configuration 236.

The run-time module 214 may also receive data including from SLAs 210. Of course, any of the monitoring rules 248, RT-analysis rules 252, confidence analysis rules 256, configuration rules 260, reconfiguration decision points 264, and/or orchestration rules 266 may be in communication with any specific element of run-time module 214.

Configuration rules 260 may be used by the Network Configuration 236 to create an optimal network configuration according to a network infrastructure, a current state of the network, available predictions of near-future network behavior, SLAs (or similar requirement definitions), cost considerations, available resources, etc. In one embodiment, cost considerations may include the cost of installing, updating and/or synchronizing a new network entity and/or a new virtual network function, moving data from one new network entity (and/or virtual network function) to another network entity (and/or virtual network function), and/or the cost of specific resource in a specific location, etc.

Reconfiguration decision points 264 may include network situation(s) where a new network configuration may be computed and determined. For example, a reconfiguration decision point may be determined according to a predicted situation, or a combination of predicted situations. Additionally, the network optimizing system may determine a point in time when a new network configuration may be required by applying rules associated with the reconfiguration decision points 264 (which may relate to the predicted situations 232). Additionally, a predicted situation data may contain sufficient information (such that an action can be implemented via the network optimizing system 234) about a near future predicted behavior of particular network entities. Further, the network optimizing system 234 may receive current values and corresponding near-future predictions of value changes for any and all parameters of all the network entities 218.

In the context of the present description, a reconfiguration decision point includes a situation where a new network configuration may be computed and determined. In one embodiment, a reconfiguration point may be determined according to a predicted situation, or a combination of predicted situations.

It is appreciated that each collection of rules such as monitoring rules 248, RT-analysis rules 252, confidence analysis rules 256, configuration rules 260, reconfiguration decision points 264, and orchestration rules 266, may be implemented in the form of a file, a repository, or a database. Additionally, such implementation may include a same entity (e.g., file, repository, etc.) for all rules, or may include a different entity (e.g., file, repository, etc.) for each collection of rules.

Additionally, each collection of rules may apply to one or more systems. For example, monitoring rules 248 may apply to network entities 218, monitoring system 222, and/or orchestration system 238. Monitoring rules 248 may direct each of the network entities 218 how and when to report an event log 220, including specifying parameters and/or values to report, etc. Further, monitoring rules 248 may direct monitoring system 222 how to arrange the log data 224.

Further, each collection of rules may be managed by one or more systems. For example, monitoring rules 248 may be created and/or modified by one or more administrators as well as by monitoring system 222, orchestration system 238, and/or confidence analysis system 230. Therefore each collection of rules may be managed by a rules manager, which may receive inputs via a respective hook and determine the respective rule change. In particular, monitoring rules 248 may receive input from rules manager 246, RT-analysis rules 252 may receive input from rules manager 250, confidence analysis rules 256 may receive input from rules manager 254, configuration rules 260 may receive input from rules manager 258, reconfiguration decision points 264 may receive input from rules manager 262, and/or orchestration rules 266 may receive input from rules manager 268.

In one embodiment, each collection of rules may be formed to enable simple addition, removal, selection, and/or deselection (pruning) of rules. Additionally, a system providing an input to any collection of rules (such as monitoring rules 248, RT-analysis rules 252, confidence analysis rules 256, configuration rules 260, reconfiguration decision points 264, and/or orchestration rules 266) may create a new rule, remove a rule, select/deselect (prune) a rule, and/or modify parameters of a rule.

A rules manager (such as any, some, or all of rules manager 246, 250, 254, 258, 262, and/or 268) may eliminate and/or reduce repetitive, too frequent, and/or possibly conflicting rule changes by implementing hysteresis and/or a dead-time period, a majority vote, weights and priorities, etc. For example, a system creating a rule may have priority and/or preference over any other system with respect to a particular rule. Additionally, the system may be particular to the rule managers 246, 250, 254, 258, 262 and/or 268 to prevent an over-ruling event where a first system runs-over a second (or another) system.

In the context of the present description, the term “parameterization” may refer to defining one or more values, or range(s) of values, for any characteristic of the required network or communication service, facility, resource, etc. In one embodiment, parameterization may include alternative acceptable values, or value ranges, with alternative respective priorities. The term “prioritization” may refer to defining priorities for, or between, the various required network or communication services, facilities, resources, etc., as well as their respective parameters.

Additionally, in the context of the present description, the term “weighting” may refer to defining and/or associating evaluation weights to characteristics and/or parameters for computing at least one value. In one embodiment, weighting may include a weighting factor. Additionally, the at least one value may be used for evaluating a particular proposed network service with a minimum requirement, and/or comparing between alternative proposals.

Monitoring rules 248 may instruct the one or more network entities 218 which parameters (such as parameters of the event log 220) to measure, when to measure each parameter, how to measure the parameter, and how to report any measurement. Additionally, one or more network entities may derive the rules directly from a database associated with the monitoring rules 248, or receive the rules from the monitoring system 222 periodically, or per a preconfigured schedule. In another embodiment, the monitoring rules 248 may instruct the monitoring system 222 how to measure inter-network entity parameters, including parameters involving, correlating, or synchronized between, more than one network entity of the one or more network entities 218. Further, the monitoring rules 248 may instruct the monitoring system 222 how to create, format, arrange, and/or maintain a log-data file (such as log data 224) or a database associated with the log data 224. In this manner, the monitoring rules 248 may be conditional upon network situations, and transform according to such network situations (including a progression of the network situations).

The monitoring rules 248 may additionally guide the orchestration system 238 where to instantiate a monitoring probe. After the monitoring probe is instantiated, the monitoring system 222 may instruct such probe (or a monitoring function, or any other reporting network entity) which parameter (or parameters) to measure and report, a frequency of reporting, and a timing to report, such as when a measured value crosses a particular (or preconfigured) threshold, or characteristics of a particular service follow a particular temporal pattern (such as set time intervals, etc.).

FIG. 3 illustrates an event-log timeline 300, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the event-log timeline 300 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the event-log timeline 300 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, event-log timeline 300 includes event-log records 302, including log-pattern/classifier 304, and a label for a particular network situation 308.

The log-pattern/classifiers 304 precedes the particular network situation 308 by a time period 306. The time period 306 may be a minimal reconfiguration time. In one embodiment, the time period 306 may be larger or equal to the minimal reconfiguration time. Additionally, the particular pattern of the log-pattern/classifiers 304 may be construed as a classifier for the particular network situation indicated by a label for the particular network situation 308.

FIG. 4A illustrates a method 400 for processing log data, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 400 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 400 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

Method 400 shows part of log data (such as the log data 224) processed for creating an AI-model. In one embodiment, the method 400 illustrates a flow chart of a process for creating an AI-model for the RT analysis system 226. As shown, a network situation is determined. See operation 402. In one embodiment, determining the network situation may include also determining particular characteristics of the network situation. For example, a network situation may be an unwanted situation (such as a failure), or a wanted situation (such as an opportunity to reduce cost, for example, by turning off a network entity). A network situation may be determined for a network (or any part of a network), for a service (or any part of a service), for a network entity (such as network entities 218), etc. For example, a network situation associated with an SLA may represent a situation where the network (or an associated service) does not perform according to the SLA. As such, the characteristics of the network situation may be any collection of parameters representing a fault or an opportunity (e.g., to reduce cost), etc. Such cause for the network situation may be associated with a load, or a load change.

At operation 404, monitoring rules may be created and/or distributed. Such monitoring rules may be used to instruct a relevant network entity (of the network entities 218) to measure and report one or more parameters that may be relevant to a network situation(s). Additionally, the monitoring rules may instruct the network entity when to measure each parameter, and how to report any measurement. In one embodiment, a rate of measuring a parameter may be different (such as being more frequent) than a rate of reporting. Further, the reporting may be conditioned by a value measured (or calculated), such as an average value, rate of change of value, etc. Moreover, the monitoring rule may include instructions to locally store unreported measurement(s) for a predetermined span of measurements and/or time.

In another embodiment, a monitoring rule may instruct one or more network entities 218 and/or the monitoring system 222 to report values of parameters and/or characteristics for a particular service in a particular temporal pattern. For example, the event log 220 the or log data 224, may report a timely value of a parameter, or the time in which the value of a parameter crossed a predetermined threshold value, etc.

At operation 406, event-log records are collected, including, log data which may be relevant to the network situation as determined by the characteristics of the network situation.

Additionally, a network situation in the log data is detected in the log data. See operation 408. In one embodiment, the network situation may be detected based on characteristics of the network situation. At operation 410, the network situation in the log data is labeled. Further information relating to the log data and/or the event-log data may be found in FIG. 4.

At operation 412, the log data (such as log data 224) is scanned to detect a network situation classifier. In one embodiment, the log data may include training files used to determine a particular pattern of particular event-log records. Additionally, one or more training files may be created based on such log data. In one embodiment, the network situation classifier may include a particular sequence of parameter value(s) carried by log-data (such as log data 224). Additionally, it may precede and/or predict, a network situation. Further, the particular sequence of parameter value(s) may be specific to a configuration of network entities (such as network entities 218) and services, as well as to the set of monitoring rules (such as monitoring rules 248) executed at that period.

At operation 414, an AI model is created to detect the networks situation classifier. For example, in one embodiment, one or more RT-analysis rules 252 (e.g., a rule-base) may be created for detecting the particular networks situation classifier. In the context of the present description, this rule-base, when created by an AI learning system (such as the RT analysis system 226), may be considered an “AI-model”. It is to be appreciated that this network situation classifier and the respective AI-model (i.e., rule-base) may be particular to the network configuration for which the log data (such as log data 224) is collected. In one embodiment, the one or more RT-analysis rules 252 may be implemented as AI models created by an AI learning system (such as RT-analysis rules 252 that may be used by the RT analysis system 226 to detect a classifier in the log data 224).

Additionally, in the context of the present description, the term “particular rule-base” may refer to a rule-base derived from a data-set associated with a particular network configuration and/or topology, or a particular spectrum of network configurations and/or topologies. Further, a particular rule-base, especially in the context of an AI-learning system, may be equivalent to the term “AI-Model”. AI-Model may therefore include any collection of rules generated by an AI-learning system, including a deep-learning system and/or a similar entity. The AI-Model may include data relating to a neural-network.

Further, the AI model may be tested to evaluate a confidence level. See operation 416. For example, the AI model may be tested using testing files, including testing files created from log data (such as the log data 224). The AI-model may be tested for a particular network situation classifier. Additionally, a measure of the confidence level may be calculated relating to the detection of a particular network situation classifier (such as an event-log pattern) by the particular AI-model. It is to be appreciated that this networks situation classifier and the respective AI-model may be particular to a specific network configuration for which the log data is collected.

In the context of the present description, the term “confidence level” may refer to any measure of confidence of detecting a classifier, and/or an event-log pattern, that may be associated with a particular suspected situation and/or predicted situation. For example, the confidence level may be measured/calculated according to a percentage of false-positive and/or false-negative detection of the particular classifier, and/or an event-log pattern. The measure of confidence level may represent a probability that, based on a particular suspected situation and/or predicted situation being detected, the particular suspected situation and/or predicted situation will develop. Further, confidence level may be represented simply by “confidence” particularly when associated with a confidence analysis such as a confidence analysis system and/or confidence analysis rules.

At operation 418, a confidence may be assigned to the AI model. For example, the AI-model may be outputted with a specific confidence level to a database associated with the RT-analysis rules 252. In one embodiment, the database may include RT-analysis rules 252 and thus may be accessed by the RT analysis system 226. Further, the database may be linked to the RT analysis system 226 and may contain the RT-analysis rules 252. After assigning a confidence to the AI model, method 400 may be repeated (starting back at operation 402) for any number of network situations, and/or to amend the confidence of the AI model based on an updated network situation.

In one embodiment, the RT-analysis rules 252 for a particular predicted situation may include a rules-base (such as an AI model) for detecting a sequence of event-log data (such as log data 224) preceding the predicted situation, and/or for reporting current values and corresponding near-future predictions of parameter value(s) changes in relation to any and/or all of the network entities 218 involved.

FIG. 4B illustrates a method 401 of a run time process using an AI-model, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 401 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 401 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, the method 401 may show a run-time process which may be used by the run-time module 214. In one embodiment, the run-time module 214 may use the method 401 using an AI-model as may be created by the method 400. Additionally, in another embodiment, the method 401 may be executed continuously as a main loop (without a start or end point). Further, the steps of the method 401 may be executed in parallel, or simultaneously, by various systems (such as but not limited to the monitoring system 222, the RT analysis system 226, the confidence analysis system 230, the network optimizing system 234, the orchestration system 238) of the network management system 212.

As shown at operation 420, the monitoring system 222 may create and/or select and distribute the monitoring rules 248 to the network entities 218. In one embodiment, the monitoring rules 248 may be distributed based on a current network configuration. The monitoring system 222 may receive the current network configuration from the orchestration system 238. Further, the monitoring system 222 may continue to create and/or select and distribute the monitoring rules 248 to the network entities 218 as needed.

At operation 422, the network entities 218, using the monitoring rules 248, may generate and send the event log 220 to the monitoring system 222. The network entities 218 may generate and send the event log 220 continuously as needed.

At operation 424, the monitoring system 222 may collect the event log 220 from the network entities 218 and may create the log data 224 (which may be run-time log data). The monitoring system 222 may continue to create the log data 224 continuously.

At operation 426, the RT-analysis system 226 may use the AI-Models of the RT-analysis rules 252 to analyze the log data 224 in real-time to detect the log-pattern/classifiers 304 and generate the respective data for the suspected one or more suspected situations 228. Operation 426 may also be executed continuously, as RT-analysis system 226 may receive from the monitoring system 222 new log-data 224, detect more log-pattern/classifiers 304, and generate more data for the one or more suspected situations 228. Each of the one or more suspected situations 228 may be associated with a respective confidence level, which may indicate a probability of occurrence of the respective network situation within a particular time period (such as the time period 306).

Additionally, at operation 428, the confidence analysis system 230 may analyze the suspected situations 228 and their respective confidence levels to determine and adapt the RT appropriate analysis strategy. For example, the confidence analysis system 230 may request the monitoring system 222 to create and/or select and distribute the monitoring rules 248 to the network entities 218 to increase the probability of detecting a log-pattern/classifiers 304, and/or to increase the confidence level of a respective suspected situation 228. In one embodiment, the confidence analysis system 230 may generate respective data of the predicted situations 232, such as where a respective confidence level reaches a predetermined threshold. The confidence analysis system 230 may process operation 428 continuously and/or repeatedly as the suspected situation 228 may be further received from the RT-analysis system 226.

At operation 430, the network optimization system 234 may analyze the predicted situations 232 to determine a new network configuration 236. The network optimization system 234 may process the RT-analysis system 226 continuously and/or repeatedly as the predicted situations 232 may be further received from the confidence analysis system 230.

Further, at operation 432, the orchestration system 238 may receive from the network optimization system 234 a new network configuration 236 and implement it (at operation 434) by modifying, migrating, installing and/or removing the network entities 218. The orchestration system 238 may process operation 432 continuously and/or repeatedly as the network configuration 236 is further received from the network optimization system 234. As a new network configuration is implemented, the monitoring system 222 may create and/or select and distribute the monitoring rules 248 to the respective network entities 218, and the RT analysis system 226 may select and/or use the respective AI-models included in the RT-analysis rules 252.

Additionally, the network optimizing system 234 may determine the network configuration 236 that the orchestration system 238 may then implement to avoid or exploit one or more of the predicted situations 232. Implementing a new network configuration 236 may result in a configuration change or a network reconfiguration. The network optimizing system 234 may determine which of the pending predicted situations 232 should be treated (e.g., avoided or exploited) in the subsequent configuration change.

In one embodiment, the network optimizing system 234 may determine a new network configuration 236 while the orchestration system 238 may still be implementing another (e.g., previously instructed) configuration change (of a previously implement network configuration 236). For example, the network optimizing system 234 may instruct parallel configuration changes affecting different parts of the communication network 202 and/or different network entities 218, and/or different services.

As such, the network optimizing system 234 may consider several parameters that may affect a decision associated with a reconfiguration of the network. Such parameters may include cost, priority, severity, confidence level, death expectancy of the pending predicted situation, life expectancy of a new configuration, collision with another reconfiguration currently processed by the orchestration system 238, etc. In the context of the present description, the term “minimal reconfiguration time” may refer to a minimal time required by an orchestration system (such as orchestration system 238) to migrate one or more network entities (such as network entities 218). In one embodiment, minimal reconfiguration time may be associated with a particular service and/or SLA, and, more particularly but not exclusively, with a particular network situation associated with the service and/or SLA.

In one embodiment, a configuration change (such as implemented via the network optimizing system 234 or the orchestration system 238) may be tagged, identified, and/or associated with one or more particular causes and effects and/or result (such as a particular load-change, requirement, fault, cyber-attack, etc.). For example, the network optimizing system 234 and/or orchestration system 238 may tag and/or associate a configuration change with one or more of the causes for a particular configuration change. Additionally, each tag or association may be assigned a weighting factor representing the effect of a particular cause on determining the particular configuration change.

Further, configuration settings may be stored as a data record or a data field in a file or a database (such as a database associated with network optimizing system 234). The data field or data record may include a start and stop time of the respective configuration, and the format of the data field or data record may enable a software package to identify the differences between two (or more) configurations represented by their respective data field or data record.

In the context of the present description, the term “difference measure” may refer to a value representing a difference between two (or more) configurations. Additionally, the term “dislocation” may refer to an entity located in a configuration which differs from the location noted in a reference configuration. A dislocation may refer to a missing entity, an added entity, and/or an entity located in a different place. Such entity may be any hardware component and/or a software component, such as a VNF instance, and/or a service, such as a micro-service.

In various embodiments, training and/or testing data may be derived from the same data-set (including log-data). Additionally, the training data may be used to train the AI-engine to produce a rule-base, and the testing data may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed rule-base.

The network optimization system 234 may determine the network configuration 236 which the orchestration system 238 may then implement to avoid or exploit one or more predicted situations. In one particular situation, implementing a new network configuration may result in a configuration change or a network reconfiguration. As such, the network optimization system 234 may determine which of the pending predicted situations should be treated (e.g., avoided or exploited) during the next configuration change.

Additionally, the network optimization system 234 may determine a new network configuration while orchestration system 238 may still be implementing another (e.g., previously instructed) network configuration 236. For example, network optimization system 234 may instruct parallel configuration changes affecting different parts of communication network 202, network entities 218, and/or different services.

In one embodiment, the network optimization system 234 may consider a variety of parameters which may affect a reconfiguration decision, including but not limited to, cost, priority, severity, confidence level, death expectancy of the pending predicted situation, life expectancy of the new configuration, collision with another reconfiguration currently processed by the orchestration system 238, etc. These parameters may also be considered in the context of processing the reconfiguration decision points 264 by the network optimizing system 234.

Additionally, it is to be appreciated that a configuration or reconfiguration change may directly affect cost. For example, a configuration change may involve migration of a software entity from one hardware entity to another. Such a migration may be executed in the form of “make before break”, so as not to disrupt or adversely affect any service. This operation may mean that software entity B is installed, operated and updated in hardware entity B before software entity A is removed from hardware entity A. Therefore, software entity A and software entity B may be operative in parallel, and may each be implemented on a specific hardware entity, thereby increasing cost, including hardware, electricity, maintenance (including dissipating heat from hardware) costs, as well as third party costs including processing, storage, communication, licensing, etc. Furthermore, any additional costs (including extra hardware entities, etc.) may obviously affect the ability to generate income using the particular hardware entity.

Additionally, a configuration or reconfiguration change may be subject to priorities (such as due to limited resources). For example, migrating a first software entity from hardware entity A to hardware entity B may adversely affect the ability to migrate a second software entity to hardware entity A or to hardware entity B, as well as to any other hardware entity depending on a communication facility and/or hardware entity involved in the migration of the first software entity.

In one embodiment, the network optimization system 234 may use at least two sets of rules including configuration rules (which may determine how to resolve one or more predicted situations by an optimal reconfiguration) and reconfiguration decision points 264 (which may additionally determine when to resolve pending predicted situations).

In one embodiment, based on the processing of the reconfiguration decision points 264, the network optimization system 234 may determine which of the pending predicted situations to process for the next network configuration and when to process such pending predicted situations. For example, the network optimization system 234 may determine based on a reconfiguration condition point (of the reconfiguration decision points 264), whether to effect a reconfiguration immediately, or to delay a reconfiguration based on, for example, a combination of long death expectancy and low confidence level. In one embodiment, a reconfiguration may be delayed until a confidence level increases.

Additionally, the deep system module 216 may include processes (e.g., modules, systems) that may create and modify run-time rules. In one embodiment, the deep system module 216 may be construed as a-reverse analysis channel as it may use the output of the run-time module 214 to manage run-time rules. In other words, the deep system module 216 analyzes the behavior of the run-time module 214 so as to improve it by optimizing the rules controlling the behavior of the run-time module 214, such as adaptive pattern recovery and/or behavioral patterns.

FIG. 5 illustrates a network management system 500, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the network management system 500 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the network management system 500 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, an AI learning system 510 which may produce the RT-analysis rules 252 (or the AI-models, or predictors). The AI learning system 510 may analyze training data and/or testing data that is created from the log data 224 to produce RT-analysis rules 252. Additionally, the AI learning system 510 may receive as input the log data 224.

Additionally, the training and testing data preparation system 502 may include a monitoring design module 504 and a labeling system 506. Labeling system 506 may convert log-data (such as the log data 224) into training-data and testing-data for the AI learning system 510. The labeling system 506 may label training-data and testing-data. In one embodiment, the labeling system 506 may determine where to properly mark network situations in the training-data and/or testing-data. In one embodiment, the labeling system 506 may receive as input the log-data 224 from the monitoring system 222. In one embodiment, the log-data inputted to the labeling system 506 may be separate from the log data 224. For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring system 222 may provide separate log-data to the labeling system 506. The output of the labeling system 506 includes training data and testing data (based on log-data with labels of network situations). The output of the monitoring design module 504 includes monitoring rules adapted to particular network situations.

In one embodiment, the monitoring design module 504 may create and distribute monitoring rules to one or more relevant network entities such that that network situations and their respective classifiers can be detected. Additionally, a network situation may depend on a network configuration and/or the monitoring rules (such as the monitoring rules 248) which may depend on the network situations and/the network configuration.

Additionally, the monitoring design module 504 may optimize monitoring rules to improve the log-data collected and provided to the training and testing data preparation system 502 such that predicted situations can be predicted more accurately and/or earlier, and to enable detection of more or new predicted situations. The output of the training and testing data preparation system 502 may be provided as training data 508, which in turn, may be sent to the AI learning system 510.

As shown, the configuration design system 518 may optimize configuration rules (such as configuration rules 260 and/or reconfiguration decision points 264) to improve the results of the network configuration system. To that end, the configuration design system 518 may receive inputs from the run-time module, including the network configuration 236 and/or one or more predicted situations 232, as well other network parameters, including SLAs 210. Additionally, the configuration design system 518 may measure the quality of the computed network configuration, including a cost of a reconfiguration, time required to reconfigure the network, a length of time the configuration has lasted, etc. In one embodiment, the configuration design system 518 may include goals for the network reconfiguration.

Additionally, an AI model selection & pruning 516 system may receive the network configuration 236 and based on such, may select and prune network configurations, resulting in RT-analysis rules 252. Further, testing analysis system 514, may receive an output from the RT analysis system, and may provide such data as input to the training and testing data preparation system 502.

FIG. 6 illustrates a network management system 600, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the network management system 600 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the network management system 600 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, the network management system 600 builds upon the network management system 500. In one embodiment, the network management system 600 may be used to simulate network behavior when there is no sufficient amount of log-data (which may result from network dynamics, including new network configurations). In such a situation, log-data may be simulated or synthesized. In particular, simulating log-data may include analyze the network behavior to produce primitives that may then be used as components from which training data is composed/synthesized/simulated.

A higher level of the deep system module 216 of the network management system 212 may include processes (e.g., modules, systems) that simulate a network behavior when there is not enough log-data (such as the log data 224). Insufficient log data may result from network dynamics. As demand changes and shifts more rapidly and more frequently, particular network configurations may not produce sufficient log-data. Additionally, network configurations may be new (thereby having no history of log-data). As such, there may be a need to simulate (or synthesize) log-data. The simulation level (corresponding with the simulation module 602) may include a collection of mechanisms that analyze the network behavior to produce “primitives”. The primitives in turn may be used as a simulation of training-data and testing-data for a new configuration.

In one embodiment, the simulation module 602 may include a behavior analysis system 604, which may produce several primitives, including behavioral patterns 606 and network conditions 608. In one embodiment, the behavioral patterns may include sequences of event-log data (such as log data 224) produced by a network entity (of the network entities 218), or a particular virtual network function (or a similar entity), that are characteristic of a particular arrangement such as a timing to serve a particular service to a particular customer.

At simulation system 610, log-data may be simulated or synthesized for a particular configuration, including arranging, interlinking, and interleaving, behavioral patterns. As such, the behavioral patterns 606 should be properly detected, defined, and characterized, such that they can be properly selected and combined in the process of simulating, or synthesizing, log-data as shown in simulated log data 612.

Additionally, network conditions 608 include situations that may be predicted by the RT analysis system 226. Additionally, the network conditions 608 may serve as labels for labeling (via the labeling system 506 of the training & testing data preparation system 502) the training data 508 (or testing data) for the AI learning System 510. As such, the network conditions 608 should be properly detected, defined, and characterized, such that they can be automatically detected and properly labeled in old and new simulated (synthesized) log-data, as shown in simulated log data 612. For example, a network condition (of the network conditions 608) may be characterized by one or more network parameter(s), and/or by a condition of one or more of particular type(s), including a network fault, a service fault, an SLA fault, a cyber-attack, a security breach, a cost-reduction opportunity, etc.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the system 700 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the system 700 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, a security module 702 and a coordination module 704 may relate to an exogenic level 701. The exogenic level 701 may be separate from the network management system 212, the run-time module 214, and/or the deep system module 216. In one embodiment, the exogenic level 701 may include any aspect foreign to the network management system 212, including but not be limited to interaction with the outside world, other networks, other network management systems, cyber-attacks, and/or any other phenomena that is not intended as internal to the network management system 212.

The system 700 may relate to systems and functions that interact with the environment of the communication network 202. For example, coordination module 704 may include inter-network coordination 718 and service marketplace 720. In one embodiment, inter-network coordination may include coordinating load and configuration matters with neighboring networks, automatically negotiating with other networks and customers, mitigating cyber attacks, etc. Additionally, the inter-network coordination 718 and the service marketplace 720 may communicate with one or more external entities 722. For example, the external entities may include other networks, and/or network systems of customers.

The coordination module 704 therefore may involve computation(s) that depend on the current configuration of the network. In this manner, the coordination module 704 may relate to rules that apply to the current configurations, including current monitoring rules 248, current RT-analysis rules 252, current confidence analysis rules 256, current configuration rules 260, orchestration rules 266, current behavioral patterns 606, etc.

Any such rules of any layer/module/component of the network management system 212 may be exchanged with any external party (such as another network operator, a service provider, and/or a consumer), and/or transmitted to or received from any external party. Additionally, when negotiating network information with a third party (or third parties) any rule may be encrypted and embedded in the negotiation information. In one embodiment, the negotiation information may include the configuration and associated rules that apply to the network condition.

As shown, security module 702 may include a cyber security system 706 which may receive input from critical parameter 710, authenticate system 712, and one or more predicted situations 232. The security module 702 additionally includes an event-log source entities 714 which may be in communication with the monitoring rules 716. In one embodiment, the monitoring rules 716 may include monitoring rules 248. Further, the security module 702 may include a breach report 708 that receives an output from the cyber security system 706. The cyber security system may additionally provide output to the simulation system 610.

In various embodiments, although not shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 may also interact with various components of the network management system 500 and/or the network management system 600. For example, the inter-network coordination may interface with the behavior analysis system 604 and/or the configuration design system 518. In like manner, the service marketplace 720 may interface with the behavior analysis system 604 and/or the configuration design system 518.

Additionally, although the systems which control the network optimizing system 234 are not shown in FIG. 7, it is to be understood that such control systems/aspects are specifically shown in FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6. Additionally, the training data 508 in FIG. 7 is not shown with an output, as the testing data 512 system is specifically not shown (but which is detailed in relation to FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6). It is to be appreciated that any omissions of flow of instructions and/or data in FIG. 7 may be supplemented through FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6. To simplify FIG. 7, aspects of FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6 were omitted in FIG. 7 to more clearly show the system 700.

Further, data exchanged between systems and/or processes (such as exemplified in FIG. 7 and other figure) may be communicated indirectly, such as by memory, storage, data sharing facility, and/or a database system. A database system may be included within any of the modules, such as any component of the network management system 212. Further, the database system may include network configuration records, network situations associated with their respective network configurations, network situations associated with their respective minimal reconfiguration time values, monitoring rules associated with network situations to which each monitoring rule is applicable, AI-models associated with their respective network situations, confidence levels and/or time periods associated with their respective AI-models and/or network situations, etc.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram 800, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the block diagram 800 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the block diagram 800 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

As shown, block diagram 800 includes a computational device 802 which may be used for a network entity (such as network entities 218) and/or any computing element such as the network management system 212, the deep system module 216, etc., according to one exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the computational device 802 may include at least one processor unit 806, one or more memory units 808 (e.g., random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory such as a Flash memory, etc.), one or more storage units 810 (e.g. including a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage drive, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, a flash memory device, etc.), one or more communication units 812, and/or one or more peripheral units 814 (or peripheral control units). The communication unit 812 may use any type of communication technology. Additionally, the computational device 802 may also include one or more communication buses 804 connecting any of the units of the computational device 802.

Further, the computational device 802 may also include one or more power supply units 816 providing power to any of the units of the computational device 802.

The computational device 802 may also include one or more computer programs 818, or computer control logic algorithms, which may be stored in any of the memory units 808 and/or storage units 810. Such computer programs, when executed, may enable the computational device 802 to perform various functions. Additionally, the memory units 808 and/or storage units 810 and/or any other storage may be a tangible computer-readable media.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram 900 of a software programs, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the block diagram 900 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the block diagram 900 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, the block diagram 900 may be used by the computational device 802 such as part of the one or more computer programs 818 according to one exemplary embodiment. Additionally, computer programs 818 may operate over hardware 904, which may include hardware components as shown and described with reference to FIG. 8.

The computer programs 902 may include a first level of one or more firmware 912 software programs. The one or more firmware 912 may provide control of one or more hardware components (such as the storage unit 810, communication unit 812, and/or a peripheral unit 814). The computational device 802 may also include a second level of a base operating system 910. The base operating system 910 may provide control of memory units 808 and the hardware 904, typically via firmware 912, as well as communication and coordination between other components.

Additionally, the computer programs 902 may also include a third level 908 of a one or more virtual machines and/or containers. Each virtual machine may include one or more subordinate operating systems, as well as a library of functions. Each container may include subordinate operating systems as well as a library of functions.

The computer programs 902 may also include a fourth level 906 of one or more application software programs and/or probes. An application software program may be any of the software systems as herein described.

In one embodiment, a probe may include a software program that monitors and/or measures (and reports to a monitoring system such as the monitoring system 222) one or more operational parameters of any of the lower levels (such as the third level 908, the base operating system 910, and/or the firmware 912 of a first level), the hardware 904, and/or operating parameters of one or more applications. For example, an application or a probe may be executed over the base operating system 910 directly, over a virtual machine (typically executing a subordinate operating system), or embedded within a container (typically also embedding a subordinate operating system).

In various embodiments, the communication network and network management system of FIG. 2A may orchestrate (and/or manage, control) any component of any level of the computational device 802. Additionally, any component of any level of the computational device 802 may measure one or more operational parameters and report such within the event log 220, typically according to a monitoring rule (such as the monitoring rules 248), to the monitoring system 222. Further, the operations associated with network configuration, configuration change, reconfiguration, and/or migration, may refer to any software component of any level shown of the block diagram 900.

More illustrative information will now be set forth regarding various optional architectures and uses in which the foregoing method may or may not be implemented, per the desires of the user. It should be strongly noted that the following information is set forth for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. Any of the following features may be optionally incorporated with or without the exclusion of other features described.

In this respect, the SLA 210 or any similar descriptions of wanted and/or unwanted network behavior (e.g., cost saving, service fault, cyber-security attack/breech, etc.) may be used to define a corresponding one or more parameterized network situations. A network situation 1022 may be parameterized in the sense that it can be detected when the value of one or more operational parameters of the network reaches a particular threshold, etc.

The monitoring rules 248 may be devised and implemented in sufficient network entities 218 to report the pertinent parameters identifying the respective network situation. The network situation may be detected in the log data 224 of the communication network and properly labeled. The AI-learning system 510 may be used to detect a classifier (such as a log-pattern, or a pattern of event parameters reported by various network entities 218, where the log-pattern predicts a following network situation). In one embodiment, the AI-learning system 510 may operate in two steps where an unsupervised AI learning may search for a classifier and the AI-learning system 510 may then create an AI-model 244 to automatically detect a particular single classifier instance.

In one step, an unsupervised AI learning may search for a classifier, such as a correlated repetition of patterns in the log data 224 preceding the network situation within a particular time range, wherein the time range may be statistically significant. Additionally, this may include a statistical process where the AI-learning system 510 may investigate a large number of instances of a particular type of network situation (as labeled) to identify a repetitive pattern of the log data 224 (which may be found immediately preceding the network situation within a particular time range), which may be identified as lead-time. It should be noted that there may be any number of different patterns of the log data 224 preceding a network situation type. In this sense, ‘immediately’ may mean within a predefined time range.

In a second step, the AI-learning system 510 may create an AI-model (such as the run-time rules and/or AI models 244) to automatically detect a particular single classifier instance wherein the classifier (or the associated network situation) may have a confidence level representing the probability that the detected classifier will indeed mature into a network situation within a time range about the lead-time.

It should be further noted that these two steps may be implemented as a single procedure performing these two steps as a combined iterative process of detecting the classifier and creating the AI-model.

In one embodiment, the product of the AI-learning system 510 may be an AI model that detects a particular classifier. Further, the classifier may be a pattern of data elements, and the AI-model is a piece of software (e.g., a neural network) that detects the particular pattern in a stream of log data, so that, although the classifier and the AI-model may be different, they may also be closely related. Thus, parameters associated with the classifier may be associated with the AI-model and vice versa.

In one embodiment, the classifier, and hence the respective AI-model, may include such parameters as the time of the classifier, an identification of a particular type of network situation that may follow the classifier, a lead-time, and possibly a time range, a confidence level, and parameter characterization. In the context of the present description, the term confidence level may refer to the probability that the identified network situation will mature within a predetermined time range. In one embodiment, the predetermined time range may be at the end of the lead-time following the time of the classifier. Other parameters may include parameters associated with a group of classifiers and/or AI-models, such as a resolution stage (level) and minimum reconfiguration time, which may be associated with the network situation, etc.

Although the classifier itself may be unknown, the AI-learning system 510 may provide some data about the classifier, such as the parameters that the AI-model may process to detect an identifier. Additionally, these parameters may form a parameter characterization data and, thus, the parameter characterization data of a particular AI-model may identify each such parameter by type, as well as the particular network entities reporting the particular parameter.

In one embodiment, while the AI-learning system 510 may scan for a lower resolution classifier, the AI-learning system 510 may be requested to look for a classifier with a lead-time longer than any higher resolution classifier. In another embodiment, while the AI-learning system 510 scans for a higher resolution classifier, the learning system may be requested to look for a classifier with higher confidence level than any lower resolution classifier. Therefore, the AI-learning system 510 may produce a multi-stage structure of AI-models with increasing resolution, increasing confidence level, and decreasing lead-time (and vice versa).

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for creating one or more subnetworks in a particular configuration of a communication network, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 1000 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 1000 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, the network partitioning method and system described herein may be used to determine one or more subnetworks so that the process of computing an optimal configuration for one or more network situations may be limited to a relatively small part of the network and may therefore be less computing-intensive. Hence, several predicted network configurations (or several groups of predicted network configurations) may be resolved in the same time via separate subnetworks (or super-subnetworks). This may enable parallel processing of the plurality of configuration optimization processes by separate computing devices. Thereafter, the orchestration system may implement the concurrent, separate, network configurations at the same time. Such parallel processing and implementation may shorten the minimal reconfiguration time and may increase the confidence level of detecting a network situation ahead of time. Additionally, the partitioning process may determine border-points defining one or more subnetworks where changes within one subnetwork may have minimal influence on other subnetworks. Therefore, it may be possible to compute a configuration change within each such subnetwork independently of configuration changes in other subnetworks.

In one embodiment, a border-point identifying the border of a subnetwork may be characterized as having a low rate of change of one or more parameters, particularly with respect to the rate of change of the same parameter on either side of the border-point. In the context of the present description, a border-point may refer to a connection between two or more network entities, particularly two or more hardware network entities. Additionally, a subnetwork may be defined by a plurality of border-points surrounding a part of the communication network.

In the context of the present description, subnetworking may refer to the grouping of network situations. In one embodiment, two or more network situations may be separated into two, or more, respective subnetworks, wherein the two, or more, network situations may be resolved by designing two, or more, respective network configuration changes (reconfigurations). In another embodiment, if the two, or more, network situations cannot be separated into respective subnetworks, then these network situations may be resolved within a single subnetwork with a single, combined network configuration change (reconfiguration).

As a result, the system and method of subnetworking may determine whether and which network situations pending at the same time should be grouped and resolved together. In other words, the system may determine for which network situations (of the network situations pending at the same time) the configuration optimization system should compile a configuration change as a group of network situations (rather than separately).

In one embodiment, a partitioning process may have two parts: an initialization partitioning process and a dynamic partitioning process (e.g., method 1000 for creating one or more subnetworks in a particular configuration of a communication network), wherein the initialization partitioning process may determine border-points, subnetworks, and subnetworks hierarchy (namely super subnetworks), and the dynamic partitioning process may adapt subnetworks to network situations and/or network situations to subnetworks. Additionally, each of these two partitioning processes may be repetitive, particularly as network conditions change. Therefore, there are points of interaction and process initialization between the two processes within method 1000.

Further, the initialization partitioning process and/or the dynamic partitioning process may be executed by a configuration optimization system (such as the network optimizing system 234), which may receive a stream of predicted situations 232 from the confidence analysis system 230, and may determine when and how to reconfigure the communication network to resolve one or more of the predicted situations 232.

It should be noted that when the network optimizing system 234 computes a configuration change to resolve one or more predicted situations 232 within a particular (current) subnetwork, other subnetworks, which may have limited correlation to the current subnetwork, may change. Thus, the initialization partitioning process and/or the dynamic partitioning process of the method 1000 may be executed while the network optimizing system 234 computes a configuration change. In one embodiment, the network optimizing system 234 may simultaneously compute and maintain two or more partitioning structures. In the context of the present description, a partitioning structure may refer to a structure (or hierarchy) of subnetworks which have been computed according to particular characteristics, rules, and/or partitioning methods. In another embodiment, the configuration optimization system may simultaneously use two subnetworks selected from two different partitioning structures where the two subnetworks do not have any of the network entities 218 in common.

In operation, the method 1000 may initiate upon a new configuration being implemented (see operation 1002). Thereafter, configuration description data, which may include a description of all the network entities 218 of the current network configuration, SLAs 210 of services provided by the current network configurations, network situations associated with the respective SLAs, and associated network entities 218, as well as the particular parameters involved in creating the particular network situation, may be obtained (see operation 1004).

Additionally, the method 1000 may collect load data from the network entities 218 (see operation 1006) and process the load data to determine load exchange rates (see operation 1008). In one embodiment, the method 1000 may first calculate load change rate for each parameter of each network entity, and then correlate changes of load between network entities to determine mutual influence.

Further, the method 1000 may determine one or more criteria for determining a border-point (see operation 1010). By way of non-limiting example, the method 1000 may sort correlation values (of the networks) and determine a point of distribution that may be considered to have a low correlation (or a slow load change rate), wherein the second standard deviation of the distribution of the load exchange rates may be a low level of cross influence between network entities, and may serve as a criterion for determining a border point. In one embodiment, different criteria may be set for different parameter types.

In addition, the method 1000 may then proceed to operation 1012 to determine the network entities that may serve as border-points according to the relevant criterion.

Furthermore, the method 1000 may determine the borders of one or more subnetworks by combining adjacent border-points encompassing a subnetwork, one subnetwork at a time (see operation 1014).

It is determined whether all border-points determined in operation 1012 are processed, per decision 1016. In one embodiment, the method 1000 may verify that all of the network entities 218 are part of a respective subnetwork (see operation 1018 and decision 1020). If a subnetwork structure is incomplete (per decision 1020), the method 1000 may return to operation 1010 to relax one or more border-point criteria. On the other hand, if it is determined that the subnetwork structure is complete, a dynamic partitioning process may be initialized (see operation 1022).

It should be noted that method 1000 may be repeated periodically in the network as more load data is collected.

FIG. 11A illustrates a method 1100 for scanning subnetwork segments in order to adapt one or more subnetworks according to one or more predicted network situations, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 1100 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 1100 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In one embodiment, the method 1100 may be initiated after one or more subnetworks in a particular configuration of a communication network have been created (at least once) as previously described in reference to operation 1002 of the method 1000. In one embodiment, at least one predicted network situation may be pending (that is, at least one predicted situation 232 has been produced by the confidence analysis system 230, for example). In another embodiment, the method 1100 may be initiated earlier and await the availability of a subnetworking structure from method 1000 accompanied by at least one predicted situation 232 from the confidence analysis system 230.

In operation, the method 1100 may initiate its search for networking entities by obtaining a current configuration description (see operation 1102), and proceed to operation 1104 to obtain a subnetworking structure. In one embodiment, the subnetworking structure may be produced by the operation 1016 of FIG. 10. The method 1100 may obtain at least one predicted situation 232 from the confidence analysis system 230, as in operation 1106, and determine the network entities therein (see operation 1108).

Additionally, the method 1100 may determine the subnetwork containing the network entities of the predicted network situation (see operation 1110) and subsequently determine whether all of the network entities of the predicted network situations are included in the subnetwork, as in decision 1112. If all of the network entities are included, then the method 1100 may set a subnetwork (see operation 1114). If not all of the network entities are included, then method 1100 may proceed to step 1116 to combine one or more other subnetworks into a super subnetwork that includes all of the network entities in the pending network situation (see decision 1118 and operation 1120).

Further, the method 1100 may determine whether any of the network entities included in the subnetwork or super subnetwork may be associated with in any other network situation (see decision 1122). If none of the network entities are associated with any other network situation, then the method 1100 sets the super subnetwork, as in operation 1128. If at least one network entity is associated with any other network situation, the method 1100 may group predicted network situations (see operation 1124) and combine the subnetworks into a super subnetwork (see operation 1128) until no network entity of the super subnetwork is involved in a network situation that is not part of the resulting group of predicted network situations (see decision 1126). As shown, the method 1100 continues with operation 1130 (explained in FIG. 11B below).

For example, several co-pending predicted network situations may be processed in parallel. In this respect, several co-pending predicted network situations may be determined to be processed in the same time to determine a network configuration that resolves these co-pending predicted network situation (e.g., operation 1142). However, a co-pending predicted network situation may be resolved separately (or alternatively, two or more network situations may be resolved separately), within two or more subnetworks, resulting in a separate network configuration for each subnetwork (or super-subnetwork). The above process shown in FIG. 11A may ensure that no two reconfiguration processes affect the same subnetwork (or super-subnetwork).

In this respect, if a predicted network situation has a network entity within the (super-)subnetwork it should be included in the (super-)subnetwork in its entirety (with all its network entities), or it may be deferred to be resolved later, after the current reconfiguration is decided and implemented. In one embodiment, the above grouping of the co-pending predicted network situations, as well as the resulting grouping of the subnetworks, may hold for predicted network situations that cannot be deferred.

FIG. 11B illustrates a method 1101 for comparing subnetwork segments in order to adapt one or more subnetworks according to one or more predicted network situations, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 1101 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 1101 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In operation, the method 1101 may initiate comparison by computing the total resources required by all of the predicted network situations in the group of predicted network situations included in the subnetwork or super subnetwork (see operation 1132). In addition, the method 1101 may compute the total resources available from the network entities included in the subnetwork or super subnetwork (see operation 1134).

Additionally, the method 1101 may compare the total resources required by all of the predicted network situations with the total resources available from the network entities included in the subnetwork or super subnetwork (see operation 1136) to determine whether the subnetwork or super subnetwork has resources adequate to resolve all of the predicted network situations grouped in the subnetwork or super subnetwork (see decision 1138). If the current resources are insufficient, the method 1101 may add one or more adjacent subnetworks to the super subnetwork (see operation 1140) until the available resources are sufficient. Once the known resources are sufficient to resolve all of the predicted network situations grouped in the subnetwork or super subnetwork, then a new configuration may be optimized by way of an appropriate configuration change within the super subnetwork (see operation 1142). If the operation 1142 fails to determine a configuration change that resolves all the predicted network situations grouped into the current subnetwork, or super subnetwork, per decision 1144, the method 1101 may then return to the operation 1140 to add a subnetwork for additional resources.

FIG. 12A illustrates a method 1200 for determining a subnetwork border in order to create one or more subnetworks for one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 1200 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 1200 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In operation, the method 1200 may be an alternative to a result following a combination of the method 1000 and the method 1100. For example, instead of initially creating a plurality of subnetworks and then adapting a subnetwork to a network situation, the method 1200 may create the subnetwork around the predicted network situation (or a group of predicted network situations).

The method 1200 may begin the process by obtaining current configuration descriptions (see operation 1202) and obtain one or more predicted network situations (see operation 1204). Further, the method 1200 may determine one or more pertinent stability criteria, such as a value of a load change rate sought for a border-point (see operation 1206). Further still, the method 1200 may obtain the identification of the network entities associated with the associated predicted network situation (see operation 1208).

Additionally, the method 1200 may determine whether a border of a former subnetwork currently in use passes between any two or more network entities of the pertinent network situation by scanning for internal subnetwork borders, as in operation 1210. The method 1200 may determine whether a border of a former subnetwork currently in use is an internal border in decision 1212. If an internal border is determined, the network entities of the former network situations are grouped with the network entities of the current network situation and a second network situation is determined within the subnetwork (see operation 1214). Additionally, network entities associated with the second network situation are obtained per operation 1216. If an internal border is not determined, then per decision 1212, the method 1200 continues to operation 1218, described below in reference to FIG. 12B.

FIG. 12B illustrates a method 1201 for determining subnetwork stability in order to create one or more subnetworks for one or more network situations, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method 1201 may be implemented in the context of any one or more of the embodiments set forth in any previous and/or subsequent figure(s) and/or description thereof. Of course, however, the method 1201 may be implemented in the context of any desired environment. Further, the aforementioned definitions may equally apply to the description below.

In operation, method 1201 may determine overlapping network situations, where, for example, a network entity may be associated with two predicted network situations by scanning network entities for overlapping network situations, determining whether there is an overlap thereof, and, if so, recording (or adding) network entities from such overlapping network situations (see operation 1222, decision 1224, and operation 1226) before returning and continuing to scan for internal subnetwork borders, as in operation 1220 of the method 1200. Network situations may overlap, for example, when two software network entities of two respective network situations share a same hardware entity, and or share a software entity such as an operating system or a communication software or a database, etc. Additionally, network situations may overlap, for example, when two network entities of the same network situations communicate via a network entity also involved with a third network entity associated with a second network situation.

Additionally, upon determining that there are no network entities in overlapping network situations (per decision 1224), the method 1201 may proceed through operation 1228, decision 1232, and operation 1230 to compare required resources with available resources, determine whether there is an adequate (or sufficient) pool of resources, and when there are insufficient resources, add network entities so that there are enough available resources within the subnetwork to provide for all the network situations of the group. After operation 1230, the method 1201 may proceed back to operation 1220 of the method 1200 to scan for internal subnetwork borders.

Further, upon determining that there is already an adequate (or sufficient) pool of resources, the method 1201 may proceed through operation 1234 to scan outward around the collection of network entities determined thus far for border points that may be compatible with the stability criteria determined in step 1206, compare those scans with known stability criteria, as in operation 1236, determine whether the load data constitutes a point of stability in the subnetwork, as in decision 1238, determine whether the subnetwork is complete, as in decision 1240, and if not, set the scan outwards (see operation 1242) and restart the scan process again back at operation 1234. In one embodiment, the term scan outwards may mean that neighboring network entities, and particularly hardware network entities, are added to the current subnetwork.

When the borderline scan and comparisons lead to a stability point, as determined in decision 1238, and development of the full subnet border is complete, as in decision 1240, the method 1201 may set the subnetwork and may compile the configuration change within the resulting super subnetwork (see operations 1244 and 1246). If the decision 1248 fails to determine a configuration change that resolves all the predicted network situations grouped into the current subnetwork, or super subnetwork, the method 1201 may return to the operation 1230 to add a one or more network entities for additional resources.

FIG. 13 illustrates a network architecture 1300, in accordance with one possible embodiment. As shown, at least one network 1302 is provided. In the context of the present network architecture 1300, the network 1302 may take any form including, but not limited to a telecommunications network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, peer-to-peer network, cable network, etc. While only one network is shown, it should be understood that two or more similar or different networks 1302 may be provided.

Coupled to the network 1302 is a plurality of devices. For example, a server computer 1312 and an end user computer 1308 may be coupled to the network 1302 for communication purposes. Such end user computer 1308 may include a desktop computer, lap-top computer, and/or any other type of logic. Still yet, various other devices may be coupled to the network 1302 including a personal digital assistant (PDA) device 1310, a mobile phone device 1306, a television 1304, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system 1400, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the system 1400 may be implemented in the context of any of the devices of the network architecture 1300 of FIG. 13. Of course, the system 1400 may be implemented in any desired environment.

As shown, a system 1400 is provided including at least one central processor 1402 which is connected to a communication bus 1412. The system 1400 also includes main memory 1404 [e.g. random access memory (RAM), etc.]. The system 1400 also includes a graphics processor 1408 and a display 1410.

The system 1400 may also include a secondary storage 1406. The secondary storage 1406 includes, for example, a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage drive, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit in a well-known manner.

Computer programs, or computer control logic algorithms, may be stored in the main memory 1404, the secondary storage 1406, and/or any other memory, for that matter. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 1400 to perform various functions (as set forth above, for example). Memory 1404, storage 1406 and/or any other storage are possible examples of non-transitory computer-readable media. It is noted that the techniques described herein, in an aspect, are embodied in executable instructions stored in a computer readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution machine, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based or processor-containing machine, apparatus, or device. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that for some embodiments, other types of computer readable media are included which may store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and the like.

As used here, a “computer-readable medium” includes one or more of any suitable media for storing the executable instructions of a computer program such that the instruction execution machine, system, apparatus, or device may read (or fetch) the instructions from the computer readable medium and execute the instructions for carrying out the described methods. Suitable storage formats include one or more of an electronic, magnetic, optical, and electromagnetic format. A non-exhaustive list of conventional exemplary computer readable medium includes: a portable computer diskette; a RAM; a ROM; an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory); optical storage devices, including a portable compact disc (CD), a portable digital video disc (DVD), a high definition DVD (HD-DVD™), a BLU-RAY disc; and the like.

It should be understood that the arrangement of components illustrated in the Figures described are exemplary and that other arrangements are possible. It should also be understood that the various system components (and means) defined by the claims, described below, and illustrated in the various block diagrams represent logical components in some systems configured according to the subject matter disclosed herein.

For example, one or more of these system components (and means) may be realized, in whole or in part, by at least some of the components illustrated in the arrangements illustrated in the described Figures. In addition, while at least one of these components are implemented at least partially as an electronic hardware component, and therefore constitutes a machine, the other components may be implemented in software that when included in an execution environment constitutes a machine, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

More particularly, at least one component defined by the claims is implemented at least partially as an electronic hardware component, such as an instruction execution machine (e.g., a processor-based or processor-containing machine) and/or as specialized circuits or circuitry (e.g., discreet logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function). Other components may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Moreover, some or all of these other components may be combined, some may be omitted altogether, and additional components may be added while still achieving the functionality described herein. Thus, the subject matter described herein may be embodied in many different variations, and all such variations are contemplated to be within the scope of what is claimed.

In the description above, the subject matter is described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by one or more devices, unless indicated otherwise. As such, it will be understood that such acts and operations, which are at times referred to as being computer-executed, include the manipulation by the processor of data in a structured form. This manipulation transforms the data or maintains it at locations in the memory system of the computer, which reconfigures or otherwise alters the operation of the device in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. The data is maintained at physical locations of the memory as data structures that have particular properties defined by the format of the data. However, while the subject matter is being described in the foregoing context, it is not meant to be limiting as those of skill in the art will appreciate that various of the acts and operations described hereinafter may also be implemented in hardware.

To facilitate an understanding of the subject matter described herein, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions. At least one of these aspects defined by the claims is performed by an electronic hardware component. For example, it will be recognized that the various actions may be performed by specialized circuits or circuitry, by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. The description herein of any sequence of actions is not intended to imply that the specific order described for performing that sequence must be followed. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter (particularly in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, as the scope of protection sought is defined by the claims as set forth hereinafter together with any equivalents thereof entitled to. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. The use of the term “based on” and other like phrases indicating a condition for bringing about a result, both in the claims and in the written description, is not intended to foreclose any other conditions that bring about that result. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as claimed.

The embodiments described herein included the one or more modes known to the inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Of course, variations of those embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this claimed subject matter includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium that when executed by a processor instruct the processor to: determine a plurality of network entities of a communication network; collect measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities; determine at least one division characteristic; determine an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic; determine at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network, where the at least one border is based on the intersection; determine a plurality of span values, where each span value of the span values is a span of change of an interaction with the at least division characteristic over time; determine a plurality of rate values, where each rate value of the rate values is a rate of change of the interaction over time; sort at least one of the plurality of span values or the plurality of rate values based on a first value to form a sorted list, where the sorted list includes at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; divide the sorted list into a plurality of levels; determine, for each level of the plurality of levels, a plurality of borders based on at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; divide the communication network into a plurality of subnetworks of the communication network based on the plurality of borders; and form a hierarchy of subnetworks based on the division.
 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to determine a time period for the measurements.
 3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein each span value or each rate value is at least one of an average value or a maximum value over the time period.
 4. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to: determine a network configuration of the communication network; determine a life expectancy of the network configuration; and determining the time period for the measurements according to the life expectancy of the network configuration.
 5. The computer program product of claim 4, wherein each span value or each rate value is at least one of an average value or a maximum value over the time period.
 6. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to: determine a network situation; determine a plurality of network entities involved in the network situation; and determine a subnetwork of the plurality of subnetworks including the plurality of network entities.
 7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to: determine a network situation; determine a plurality of network entities involved in the network situation; determine two or more subnetworks of the plurality of subnetworks including the plurality of network entities; and determine a super subnetwork including two or more subnetworks of the plurality of subnetworks.
 8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to determine at least two network situations.
 9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein each of the at least two network situations is associated with a plurality of network entities.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein each of the at least two network situations is associated with at least one common network entity.
 11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the plurality network entities is associated with at least two subnetworks of the plurality of subnetworks.
 12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the computer program product is configured to determine a super subnetwork comprising the at least two subnetworks and the plurality of network entities.
 13. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer program product is configured to: determine a network situation; determine a first subnetwork of the plurality of subnetworks associated with the network situation; determine a resource required to resolve the network situation, where the resource is available within a second subnetwork of the plurality of subnetworks; determine a super subnetwork comprising the first subnetwork and the second subnetwork.
 14. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the at least one border is a connection between two or more network entities of the plurality of network entities, where the connection has a low rate of change of network parameters associated with each of the two or more network entities.
 15. A method, comprising: determining a plurality of network entities of a communication network; collecting measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities; determining at least one division characteristic; determining an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic; determining at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network, where the at least one border is based on the intersection; determining a plurality of span values, where each span value of the span values is a span of change of an interaction with the at least division characteristic over time; determining a plurality of rate values, where each rate value of the rate values is a rate of change of the interaction over time; sorting at least one of the plurality of span values or the plurality of rate values based on a first value to form a sorted list, where the sorted list includes at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; dividing the sorted list into a plurality of levels; determining, for each level of the plurality of levels, a plurality of borders based on at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; dividing the communication network into a plurality of subnetworks of the communication network based on the plurality of borders; and forming a hierarchy of subnetworks based on the division.
 16. A device, comprising: a non-transitory memory storing instructions; and one or more processors in communication with the non-transitory memory, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to: determine a plurality of network entities of a communication network; collect measurements of an amount of interaction between pairs of network entities of the plurality of network entities; determine at least one division characteristic; determine an intersection between the measurements and the at least one division characteristic; determine at least one border of a subnetwork of the communication network, where the at least one border is based on the intersection; determine a plurality of span values, where each span value of the span values is a span of change of an interaction with the at least division characteristic over time; determine a plurality of rate values, where each rate value of the rate values is a rate of change of the interaction over time; sort at least one of the plurality of span values or the plurality of rate values based on a first value to form a sorted list, where the sorted list includes at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; divide the sorted list into a plurality of levels; determine, for each level of the plurality of levels, a plurality of borders based on at least one of the plurality of span values, the plurality of rate values, or a combined value of the plurality of span values and the plurality of rate values; divide the communication network into a plurality of subnetworks of the communication network based on the plurality of borders; and form a hierarchy of subnetworks based on the division. 